Native American businesses gain access to federal funds

AKWESASNE – Federal funds are available to Native American businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, according to the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

A free program on how to access the funds and programs will be presented from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Wolf Clan Restaurant, NYS Hwy. 37.

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development, PathStone Enterprise Center and the county chamber are sponsoring the fourth annual Financial Roundtable and Regulatory Summit to help Native American business owners learn to get capital and capacity-building funds through loans and business development services.

“The Tribal Government Economic Recovery Plan calls for removing barriers to the capital needed for tribal governments to effectively develop their economies and to ensure their local citizens have the ability to directly participate in the economic growth in their communities,” said Ruby Sprowls of NATC.

NATC is a business development program offered through the PathStone Enterprise Center and the chamber.

Speakers at the Sept. 30 event will outline types of funds available and how to apply for them, and explain equity requirements, cash flow and repayment procedures and more.

Speakers will include Darlene Greifenberger, U.S. Department of the Interior assistant secretary of Indian affairs; Jill Harvey state director of USDA Rural Development; Pat McKeown, executive director of the county chamber; and Jamie Bay of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.